Great Ocean Road, Australia – A scenic spectacular

Put simply, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is 243 kilometres of breathtaking scenery and fabulous natural attractions, stretching along the coast of southern Australia. The road itself was built by returned soldiers and dedicated to those lost on the battlefields of World War I, giving it huge significance to the country’s history and making it the world’s largest war memorial. It’s a fitting tribute – two lanes of road surrounded by beaches and cliffs, making it the perfect motorhome road trip.

Melbourne is the starting point for your foray along the coast. This stately southern capital of Victoria has plenty to keep you entertained if you want to hang around for a view days. It’s then an hour-and-a-half drive south to Torquay, which is home to famous surf brands including Rip Curl and Billabong and the Surfworld Museum. Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park is a popular place to stop for the night – or longer if you’re a keen surfer.

From Torquay, the road stretches out through a series of coastal communities. Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Apollo Bay all offer convenient spots for a coffee, an ocean swim, and maybe a night at one of the holiday parks. Try and give yourself as many evenings as possible – there’s so much to take in. The region is also renowned for its great produce, so farmers’ markets are commonplace, and the Henty wine region. Chris’s Beacon Point Restaurant, just before Apollo Bay, is a particular gastronomical treat.

Midway along the Road is Great Otway National Park: an area of forest, heathland, waterfalls and beaches. You will find a vast selection of campgrounds, several of which are suitable for campervans. These include Blanket Bay and the Big Hill Camping Area. At Blanket Bay, bookings must be made by ballot in advance for peak summer and Easter holiday periods – the rest of the year is, like at Big Hill, first-in, first-served.

Continue west and head inland as far as the the Blackwood Gully Tea Rooms at Lavers Hill. Stop here for bird-watching, rainforest walks and freshly-made goodies at the charming tea rooms. Back on the coast, you will find the amazing and iconic Twelve Apostles formation - a set of limestone rock stacks rising from the Southern Ocean just offshore. Other interesting coastline features are the Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch, formed by the harsh effect of erosion on the cliffs. If you want to explore the region a little more in depth, park up at the Port Campbell Holiday Park or Apostle Camping Park and Cabins.

Allansford, just before Warrnambool, is the official end point of the route, but Australia’s highways do not stop here. You may opt to continue along the coast to South Australia and the wonderful city of Adelaide. But wherever you choose to end your journey, make sure this amazing ocean voyage is a part of it - a must-do road trip of not just Australia, but the world.

A journalist and editor for nearly two decades, I am originally from London but proudly call New Zealand home. Having travelled the South Island in a campervan, I know exactly how liberating motorhomes and campers can be. It’s a great opportunity to be part of Motorhome Republic, as we look to educate and encourage people to hit the road in what is, essentially, a portable hotel! I will be creating interesting industry articles, travel itineraries, road-trip ideas, movies and so much more. Come along for the ride!